Neutron Science

Student and Teacher Programs Often Hands-On

Attendees of the 2011 National School on Neutron and X-Ray Scattering.

Neutron Sciences staff are actively involved in educational outreach programs for local students from elementary school through high school and college age. Programs range from presentations about the important role neutron science plays in our everyday lives to workshops and hands-on activities about "the science" of neutron science.

Typically, 40 to 60 college and high school students participate in Neutron Science summer internships. Year-round internships are also available. For more information and to view open positions, see ORNL Careers.

Neutron Sciences strongly support the following K-12 educational activities in order to augment and support science teachers.

These week-long programs provide hands-on experience that show teachers how to use applied engineering techniques in the classroom. Camps are held across North America, usually at high schools, colleges, and universities. Camps usually last five days and can require over-night stays or just day visits.

Students in a variety of neutron science programs get hands-on experience with local instrument scientists.

Academies Creating Teacher-Scientists Professional Development Program

Through ACTS, teachers from all over the United States come to ORNL for three consecutive summers to participate in research with leading scientists. The teachers gain valuable knowledge and experience that they can take back to their own schools. The three-year investment gives teachers a sustained opportunity to learn and make a difference at the Lab and with their students back home.

Siemens Teachers as Researchers

STARs provides middle school and high school STEM teachers the opportunity to engage with top scientists and researchers on short-term research projects about current topics of national interest that are related to ongoing research at ORNL. In addition to the research immersion, we provide additional educational enhancements throughout the program in the form of seminars, mini-workshops, tours, and field trips to focus and expand the research experience.